Plaxico Burress said he wanted to get a deal done with the Giants before the start of the season. He alternated between expressing optimism and skepticism about the two sides coming together.

It did, with little time to spare.

Hours before kickoff of last night’s season-opener against the Redskins, Burress signed a new five-year, $35 million contract that will pay him $11 million this season and keep him with the Giants through the 2012 season.

“We always remained hopeful that it would get done before the season started,” general manager Jerry Reese said. “It came down to the last few minutes and we’re happy to get it done so we can move forward in our season. Plax is happy to get the contract done as well. It took a little longer than we expected it to take, but Plax was professional about it the whole time. We’re excited and happy that it’s over and we’re ready to move forward into this new season.”

There were some bumps in the road before the deal was finalized. Burress, who had 10 catches for 133 yards in last night’s 16-7 win over the Redskins, had three years and $10 million remaining on the free agent contract he signed with the Giants prior to the 2005 season, but following the Super Bowl victory – Burress hauled in the game-winning pass with 35 seconds remaining to defeat the Patriots – he made his financial demands known, loud and clear.

Burress refused to practice during the June mini-camp, not because of the lingering problems with his right ankle but because of a “business decision.” Basically, he went public with his contract demands and deprived the Giants of his services.

Burress, 31, likes to compare himself with the top receivers in the league, players who command $8 or $9 million per year. Burress stated he wasn’t demanding that much, but did want to be properly compensated for his contributions (70 receptions, 1,025 yards, 12 touchdowns plus an overwhelmingly dominant performance in the NFC Championship game at frigid Green Bay) to a title-winning season.